boomerang

as in to backfire
to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect the well-meaning gesture boomeranged, since he ended up being offended by it

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for boomerang
Verb
  • The system has served Illinois consumers reasonably well over the decades, and hard-line regulatory approaches have been shown to backfire in other parts of the country, most notably California.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Additionally, any serious attempt to destroy Yemeni Khat production could ultimately backfire.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Together, they’re poised to do something far more radical: collapse the traditional SaaS model and usher in a new era of decentralized, intelligent orchestration.
    Deepinder Singh Sethi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In handcuffs, Miyake collapsed momentarily outside.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2025
  • Staking helps protect tall or large-flowered dahlias from breakage and flopping over, especially after rain or strong wind.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025
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Cite this Entry

“Boomerang.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boomerang. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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